On Monday, you'll be attending the district inservice. It will be a full day, jam-packed with information. Some of it might affirm things you are already doing, some of it might push you to try something new, and some of it might even overwhelm you. In this post, I want to speak to the part of you that will be or is already overwhelmed with the grand job you take on each day. Being confronted by the plethora of information, choices, and next steps that fly at you each and every day can be absolutely paralyzing. You may find yourself at a crossroads, standing still, looking in all directions wondering what your best route will be. Today and going forward, take time to stop, reflect, and choose to take one step at a time and move forward. As you leave the inservice, what can you take with you to your classroom tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year?

The Power of the Positive Phone Call Home - Keep in mind that your students and their families also need to hear that they matter. This blog really sums up the power in this positive and often unexpected interaction.

Congratulations on completing the first week of school! I am energized and inspired by the enthusiasm I've seen at both Renberg and Harvey Dunn. You've worked hard to begin establishing a culture of achievement in your classrooms. I am thrilled to be witness to the learning communities developing in your schools. And thank you for not only welcoming your kiddoes through the doors, but for welcoming your new colleagues (myself included) into your teams.

At Harvey Dunn, the motto for the year is "You Matter." We are working on noticing the amazing things going on around us. Below are some things that I noticed as I traveled between schools, visited with teachers, and participated in classrooms:

I noticed...

...teachers going above and beyond to find time to DRA their students. How amazing to have such dedicated members of the team who don't want to waste a moment of potential learning time.

...students begging for math and writing time to begin. They cheered when told to take out their writing notebooks.

...students excited to listen to and learn about each other during the many culture building activities planned throughout their week.

...students demonstrating how to push in chairs, walk in line, pass supplies, move around the room, and so much more!

...teachers organizing together to help each other when last minute changes were thrown there way.

...teachers enthusiastically sharing beginning of the year plans, collaborating, and problem solving in order to do what is best for their students.

Go forward this week knowing that you matter. Your students need you. I look forward to seeing the great things being done this week. Thank you for your hard work!

Every Kid Needs a Champion - Check out this video for a little bit of inspiration as you continue to build that culture in your classroom.

Two-By-Ten Strategy - Take a look at this resource for an inspiring and easy early intervention with those kiddoes in your class who may already be experiencing challenges in your class. This strategy speaks exactly to how much you do matter to the students in your care. It's amazing what two minutes a day, ten days in a row can do!